Recovery time depends on the cause, severity, age, and underlying conditions. In bacterial pneumonia treated with effective antibiotics, improvement in fever and overall condition is often seen within 2–3 days, but cough and fatigue can persist for weeks. Full recovery commonly takes 2–6 weeks, and may be longer in older adults or those with chronic disease. Signs of improvement include resolution of fever, reduced shortness of breath, returning appetite, and improved tolerance for daily activities. If symptoms worsen—such as recurrent fever, increasing breathlessness, or chest pain—follow-up should not be delayed, as complications or alternative diagnoses may need to be addressed.